A HAZEL Grove man who faked his own suicide after murdering his wife and 13-year-old stepdaughter could be freed on parole later this year, a High Court judge has ruled.

Robert William Healey, now 57, was jailed for life at Liverpool Crown Court in March 1987, after being convicted of murdering his wife, Greeba, and step-daughter, Marie.

Healey, from Longmead Avenue, struck 40-year-old Marie at least 15 times over the head with a rolling pin and strangled his teenage stepdaughter after having sex with both of them shortly before their deaths.

Mr Justice Gibbs - who ruled on the minimum term Healey must serve - said it can be inferred his motives for the killings arose out of 'his sexual activities within the home'.

"He took elaborate steps to cover his tracks, burying the victims, leaving a false trail suggesting they had left, and faking suicide," the judge said.

Healey had then left his clothes on a Prestatyn beach before eventually giving himself up.

Sitting at London's Royal Courts of Justice the judge ruled that Healey must serve 20 years behind bars before he can be considered for release on parole.

However from that, the time he spent in custody on remand - seven months and 12 days - must be deducted meaning that he can be considered for release in September this year, 19 years and 138 days after he was sentenced.

Mr Justice Gibbs said had Healey been sentenced today under current rules, it was arguable that he would deserve a 'whole life' tariff, given the seriousness of his crimes.

However, the sentencing rules in place in 1987 had to be applied to the case, the judge added.

Healey admitted subsequently that he was guilty of murder, acknowledging the defence argument he advanced at his trial - provocation and lack of intent - were false.

"There is evidence of good progress towards rehabilitation in prison," the judge said.

Even once Healey has served his 20-year tariff, he will only be freed if he can persuade the Parole Board he poses no public threat.

When, and if, released, he will remain on 'life licence' for the rest of his days, subject to prison recall if he puts a foot wrong.